Tiger Woods: On the comeback trail

Updated 1009 GMT (1809 HKT) March 19, 2018

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Photos:Tiger Woods returns to golf

Rory Roars Back: Although Tiger Woods carded a three-under 69 on the final day of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, he finished eight shots behind eventual champion Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman finished 18 under for the tournament after a stunning final-round 64.

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Photos:Tiger Woods returns to golf

Back at Bay Hill: A 71-foot putt was the highlight of Woods' opening round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

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Photos:Tiger Woods returns to golf

Back to his best? Woods recorded his best result since 2013 as he finished second at the Valspar Championship. Woods finished one shot behind winner Paul Casey.

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Photos:Tiger Woods returns to golf

Team USA: A month on from his long-awaited return to the PGA Tour, Woods was chosen as one of Jim Furyk's vice-captains for the 2018 Ryder Cup. Whether he'll play isn't yet clear...

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Photos:Tiger Woods returns to golf

Short-lived: At February's Genesis Open, staged at the Riviera Country Club, Woods missed the cut. The 42-year-old finished up six-over-par, with compatriot Bubba Watson (-12) eventually lifting the trophy.

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Photos:Tiger Woods returns to golf

The latest return: Tiger Woods might not have troubled the top of the leaderboard at the Farmers Insurance Open in January, finishing seven shots off eventual winner Jason Day, but he did show glimpses of his old self.

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Photos:Tiger Woods returns to golf

Silver linings: The American took solace in the fact that he can still "grind it out with the best of them" after he finished up tied for 23rd position -- his best full-field finish at a PGA Tour event in more than two years.

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Photos:Tiger Woods returns to golf

All smiles: Tiger Woods was relaxed as he chatted to the media ahead of his first start of 2018 at Torrey Pines. It was the former world No.1's first full-field event on the PGA Tour since missing the cut at the same venue last January.

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Photos:Tiger Woods returns to golf

Big picture: Woods had back fusion surgery in April 2017, his fourth procedure since 2014, but appears fit and healthy. He says his expectations are lower than of old but he is gearing up for the year's first major, the Masters in April.

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Dark times: Woods, now 42, admits he has had some "dark times" with his ongoing back problem over the last few years, unable to walk freely or even get out of bed. But Torrey Pines is a course he knows well -- he's won eight times on the San Diego track.

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Pretty in pink: Woods made a promising comeback from 10 months out in December but Rickie Fowler received the trophy for winning the Hero World Challenge, which benefits Woods' charity.

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Pain free: Able to swing freely and aggressively and appearing to experience no discomfort as he bent down, Woods' comeback at the Hero World Challenge showed promising signs.

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Photos:Tiger Woods returns to golf

Back in the ring: Woods returned at the same event in 2016 after another 15 months out but broke down again in Dubai just over a month later.

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Comeback trail: Woods was given the go-ahead by doctors to resume his golf career after a fourth back surgery in April and returned at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas in December.